11 -
Prince: Charming of you to miss me, I'm sure.
(Silence)
Countess: Why, are you silent today? Tell me something.
Anything new in the world?
Prince (As if he had to think first what to tell her)
Our son was graduated.
Countess (ordving nearly xxx imperceptibly.) I hope
you know more interesting news.
Prince: More interesting-
Countess: At least news concerning me personall
nearer than the career of a young man,not know to me.
Prince: Anyway- I think it my duty, to keep you informed
of the more important épochs in this young man's career.
After his confirmation too, Iflutured to notify you.
But now there's no need our talking about it any more.
(Silence)
Countess: Did he pass his examination, at least?
Prince: With highest honours.
Countess: The race seems to improve.
Prince: Let us both hope so.
Countess: And now probably the solemn moment is coming.
Prince: What moment?
Countess: Don’t you remember? After his graduation you
roing to tell him that you are his father?
Prince: I have told him already.
Countess: You've-told him already-
Prince: Yes.
Countess (After a cause without looking at him) And his
Somother-is dead.
Prince: Dead-for now.
Countess: Forever. (Rising)
Prince; As you say.
(Count and Servant come)
Servant: But your Lordship said yourself, Joseph might have
ailleday.